Dog Trainers
5 Tips To Help You Pick The Right One
Beginning the search for dog trainers can be a difficult one, but it doesn’t have to be this way. You may be on the search for one because you have a new puppy in your home and you would like to teach him good manners before bad habits start. Or maybe you are searching for a professional because you are overwhelmed from your dog that won’t listen or that misbehaves when you are away at work all day. Whatever your reasons for seeking a dog trainer, it is important to spend time seeking out a qualified and experienced trainer that will actually help to train your dog in proper techniques. Remember that you will be spending your hard earned money to train your pet, so it is important to find one that meets your needs and meshes well with you and your dog. Recommendations
One of the best ways to find reputable obedience dog trainers is through outside recommendations from dog owners, veterinarians, pet stores and dog breeders. Consider starting with breeders because they often use their purebred dogs for sporting or for showing and will likely be in contact with good trainers. You may also want to speak with your veterinarian because they have often listened to customer stories regarding good and bad training programs. Accessibility
Obviously one of the qualifications you will have to consider when choosing a trainer is when they are available and where they are located. Most of us dog owners have busy lives, so this means it won’t be possible to travel an hour or two each way to attend a dog obedience class. Look for someone that lives in your town and that offers a variety of different classes. You may also want to look for someone that is willing to hold weekend sessions or can come to your home for private sessions. Training Methods
You should first look for a trainer that allows you to attend a trial class or that will sit down and discuss his or her training methods with you. This way you can be sure to find someone that makes you feel comfortable and confident with handling your dog and that involves you in the entire training process. Keep in mind that no matter what you have heard from other dog owners, you should never go with a trainer that advocates harming your dog physically or verbally. Even if you are at your wits end with a rambunctious dog, overpowering or abusing the dog will never teach them to cohabitate with you and your family. Credentials
Although some states vary on the qualifications needed to become a trainer, the majority do not require any specific training for someone to begin calling themselves one. This means you will have to sort through under qualified candidates that are open for business. Before beginning a program, take time to check the qualifications of the dog trainer or dog training school. They should have some type of education and experience relating to dogs, like a dog training apprentice program. Many dog owners will require that their trainers be certified through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. If nothing else, make sure that they are at least a member of one or more professional dog training organizations that has a code of ethics, standards of practice and requires continuing education for members. Experience
Even if a trainer lacks certain credentials, life professional training programs, these credentials can often be replaced by someone that has extensive experience with dogs. This may be someone that has years of personal companionship, years of training, or preferably both. It is important to make sure to seek out those that have experience with your specific breed of dog to help in the process of training.
 
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